UN 2448 — Sulphur, molten
Placard: Miscellaneous. ERG Guide 133. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2448 is Sulphur, molten, a hot molten combustible material assigned to ERG Guide 133. Thermal burns, sulfur dioxide fumes and water splatter are key concerns.
Hazard overview: HOT MOLTEN combustible material; contact can cause severe thermal burns to skin and eyes. Molten sulphur can burn and may re-ignite after apparent extinguishment. Burning or overheated sulphur releases sulfur dioxide and irritating/toxic fumes.
Response guidance: For UN 2448, isolate hot material, stay upwind and monitor for sulfur dioxide. Avoid walking on spill areas, use thermal protection and apply water cautiously because of steam and splatter hazards.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2448 should emphasize molten burn hazards, sulfur dioxide monitoring, cautious water use, re-ignition, spill-area access control and thermal PPE. Use ERG 133, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Sulphur, molten is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, exposure, spill reporting, waste and fire-code duties depend on quantity, concentration and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and local authority requirements.
Storage & handling: Sulphur, molten should be stored or transported in approved heated systems designed for the material, away from ignition sources and strong oxidizers, with temperature control and sulfur dioxide monitoring as required.
UN 2448 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2448
- HOT MOLTEN combustible material; contact can cause severe thermal burns to skin and eyes.
- Molten sulphur can burn and may re-ignite after apparent extinguishment.
- Burning or overheated sulphur releases sulfur dioxide and irritating/toxic fumes.
- Water contacting hot molten sulphur can cause violent steam generation and splattering.
- Spilled molten material may flow, pool and solidify into hot or unstable crusts.
- Dust or solidified residues may burn or create dust hazards if dispersed.
- Runoff may carry hot or contaminated material.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Molten yellow liquid at elevated temperature (above 119°C/246°F), viscous consistency. Solidifies to yellow crystalline solid at room temperature. May emit sulfur dioxide fumes when heated.
| Also known as | Molten sulfurMolten sulphurBrimstone (molten)Elemental sulfur (molten) |
| CAS Number | 7704-34-9 |
| Appearance | Molten yellow liquid at elevated temperature (above 119°C/246°F), viscous consistency. Solidifies to yellow crystalline solid at room temperature. May emit sulfur dioxide fumes when heated. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (combustible solid/liquid above melting point) |
| Boiling Point | 444.6°C (832.3°F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (minimal vapor pressure below boiling point) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, though contact may cause violent steam generation due to high temperature of molten material |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2448
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for smoke or sulfur dioxide. Wear full thermal protective clothing, face/eye protection and gear suitable for molten-material splash.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2448 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish incident command.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream.
- Avoid breathing vapor, dust, gas, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without proper training and PPE.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 133, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2448 — Sulphur, moltenUse for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.